A review by eloquentmuse
The Fae King's Assassin by Alisha Klapheke

adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The Fae King’s Assassin by Alisha Klapheke takes readers on a journey through a world of magic, forbidden bonds, and complex political intrigue. Revna, the FMC, is an assassin bound by a magical death rune, enslaved to the will of a brutal Master and human King Darrew. Her berserker blood is exploited for their schemes, forcing her to kill without her consent. She shares a rare and powerful soul bond with a dragon named Arkyn, adding depth to her character and giving her a unique place within the story’s world.

Revna’s mission is a near-suicidal one: she’s ordered to kill the fae king Lysanael, who is rumored to have murdered King Darrew’s daughter. But as she and Lysanael are drawn into a feigned courtship—a ruse to satisfy Lysanael’s council that demands he find a wife to continue fae magic—sparks fly, and their enemies-to-lovers romance unfolds with a mix of teasing heat and genuine chemistry. The tension between them is a major highlight, leading up to a mild but satisfying spicy moment later in the book.

The story maintains steady pacing, with solid world-building and intriguing secondary characters, especially the Druid, who captured my interest with his mysterious depth. However, one thing I wished for was more clarity around the fae’s magical stipulations for lineage and magic—why their magic depends on these marital traditions isn’t fully explained, and it left me with some lingering questions.

Overall, The Fae King’s Assassin delivers an enjoyable romantic fantasy with solid plotting, believable character growth, and a steady flow of action and intrigue. While it didn’t quite blow me away, it was a good read that kept my interest, especially through its well-crafted character dynamics and hints of magic-laced mystery. Perfect for fans who enjoy a blend of romance, fantasy, and a touch of dark intrigue.

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